Minister of State Augustine opens major Asian arts and culture festival
TORONTO, May 18, 2004 -- "Participating in cultural festivals like this one is a wonderful way for Canadians to reach across the borders of culture, religion, race and ethnicity," said the Honourable Jean Augustine, Minister of State (Multiculturalism and Status of Women). "Reaching across borders is what Asian Heritage Month is all about."The Minister of State spoke at the opening ceremonies of a major Asian arts and cultural festival. The event, sponsored by the Canadian Multicultural Council, Asians in Ontario (CMCAO), took place at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto on Saturday.
"The Asian heritage we are celebrating today contributes to the rich artistic, cultural and human diversity that makes our country such a tremendous success," said Minister of State Augustine. "People of Asian background have contributed enormously to Canadian society, and will continue to do so in the future. I encourage all Canadians to take part in this month of celebration."
The 2001 Census showed that some 1,126,600 Asians live the Greater Toronto Area, which represents 24 percent of the total population. Nationally, almost 10 percent of Canadians have Asian backgrounds.
The CMCAO and its member organizations presented a day-long festival packed with entertainment that included traditional dances, martial arts demonstrations, drumming, arts and crafts, film presentations, displays and culinary treats. The CMCAO is a 23-member organization that represents 16 different countries and regions of Asia, whose mandate is to promote Asian heritage and culture within the mosaic of Canada's multicultural society.
May is Asian Heritage Month in Canada. For many years, Asians in Canada and throughout North America have celebrated their heritage during May. After an inaugural event in Toronto in 1993, many cities across the country, including Halifax, Montréal, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver, developed their own celebrations. This culminated in a formal declaration in December 2001, when the Senate of Canada passed a motion officially designating May as Asian Heritage Month in Canada. For a list of activities across Canada, consult our Web site:
http://www.pch.gc.ca/progs/multi/asian-asiatique/index_e.cfm.
Canada's Multiculturalism Policy promotes the full and equitable participation in Canadian society of people of all origins, and encourages interaction between communities of different ethnic, racial and religious backgrounds. It also encourages public institutions to be respectful and inclusive of Canada's multicultural character.
Information:
Fred Sherman
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of State (Multiculturalism and Status of Women)
(819) 997-9900
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